Flying with a crying baby can be a stressful experience for both parents and fellow passengers. It’s not uncommon for babies to cry during flights, and there are many reasons why this might happen. Some babies cry because of the changes in air pressure, while others may be uncomfortable due to the noise and unfamiliar surroundings. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to be prepared and know what to do when your baby starts crying on a plane.

Understanding Why Babies Cry

Babies cry for various reasons, and it can be incredibly challenging when they start crying on a plane. Understanding why babies cry can help parents and caregivers soothe them and make the flight more comfortable. Here are some common reasons why babies cry:

Physical Discomfort

Babies may cry if they are uncomfortable or in pain. They may be experiencing discomfort due to ear pressure, gas, or other physical issues.  Some babies just don’t want to be sitting in a parent’s arms and want to be moving around. Parents can try to alleviate their baby’s distress by feeding, burping, or giving them a pacifier. It is also recommended to bring items such as a blanket, a favorite toy, or a carrier to help the baby feel more comfortable.

Overstimulation

The new environment of a plane can be overwhelming for a baby, leading to overstimulation. The noise, lights, and unfamiliar surroundings can cause babies to cry. Parents can try to soothe their baby by providing a calming environment, such as dimming the lights or covering the baby’s eyes. It may also be helpful to bring headphones or earplugs to block the noise.

Hunger or Thirst

Babies may cry if they are hungry or thirsty. It is important for parents to bring enough formula, breast milk, or food for their baby during the flight. They should also feed their baby before takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. If the baby is old enough, parents can offer water to keep them hydrated.

Sometimes, despite everything you do, a baby will just cry on a flight. This is not a failure on your part, and please don’t take it to mean you did anything wrong!

Preparation Before Flight

There are a few things to prepare for a flight with your baby that will help enormously. They aren’t always possible, but they can make for a better travel experience.

Packing Essentials

When traveling with a baby, it is important to pack all the essentials to ensure a comfortable and stress-free flight. Here are some essential items to pack:

• Diapers and wipes: Pack enough diapers and wipes to last the entire flight, plus a few extra in case of delays.
• Changing pad: Bring a small changing pad
• Blankets: Pack a few blankets to keep the baby warm during the flight.
• Pacifiers: If your baby uses a pacifier, pack a few extras if one gets lost or dirty.
• Toys and books: Bring some toys and books to keep the baby entertained during the flight.

Feeding and Changing Schedule

Before the flight, it is important to plan the baby’s feeding and changing schedule. Here are some tips:

• Feed the baby during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.
• Bring enough formula or breast milk for the entire flight, plus a few extra servings in case of delays.
• Pack snacks and drinks for older babies and toddlers.
• Change the baby’s diaper right before boarding the plane.

Choosing the Right Flight

When traveling with a baby, it is important to choose the right flight to make the experience as smooth as possible. Here are some things to consider:

• Choose a flight that works with the baby’s schedule, such as a daytime flight if the baby is more active during the day.
• Consider booking a seat for the baby to provide extra space and comfort.
• Choose a flight with shorter layovers to reduce the time spent in the airport.
• Check with the airline about their policies on strollers and car seats.

Remember, preparation is critical when traveling with a baby. By packing the essentials, planning out the feeding and changing schedule, and choosing the right flight, parents can ensure a stress-free and comfortable flight for themselves and their baby.

During the Flight

Some travel tricks help keep your baby happy on a flight. Here are some of the best ones from veteran travelers with babies.

Soothing Techniques

Several soothing techniques can help calm babies down when they cry on a plane. Some of these techniques include:

• Swaddling: Swaddling can help a baby feel secure and comfortable. Use a lightweight blanket to wrap the baby snugly.
• Rocking: Gently rocking the baby can help soothe them. You can do this by holding the baby in your arms and swaying back and forth.
• White noise: White noise can help drown out the sound of the plane and other passengers. You can use a white noise machine or app on your phone.
• Pacifier: A pacifier can help soothe a fussy baby. Bring a few extras in case one gets lost or dirty.
• Stay Calm: When the parent is calm, it helps the baby feel calm. I know it can be challenging, but you know how to soothe your baby!

 

Engaging in Play

Engaging in play can help distract a fussy baby. Bring along some small toys or books to entertain the baby. You can also play games such as peek-a-boo or sing songs to keep the baby occupied.

It is important to be considerate of other passengers on the plane. If the baby continues to cry despite your efforts, apologize to those around you and do your best to comfort the baby.

Handling Uncontrollable Situations

When traveling with a baby, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected situations, such as crying fits on a plane. While it’s understandable for babies to cry, it can be stressful for both parents and fellow passengers. Here are some tips on how to handle uncontrollable situations during a flight.

Seeking Assistance

If a baby is crying uncontrollably on a plane, it’s important to seek assistance from the flight attendants. They may be able to provide you with additional resources, such as blankets or toys, to help soothe the baby. Additionally, they may be able to move you to a more private area of the plane, such as the back row or an empty row, to help minimize the noise and disturbance to other passengers.

Apologizing to Fellow Passengers

While it can be difficult to apologize for something out of your control, it’s important to acknowledge the inconvenience that your crying baby may be causing other passengers. A simple apology can go a long way in diffusing any tension or frustration. Additionally, you can offer to switch seats with another passenger or provide them with noise-canceling headphones to help alleviate the noise.

Conclusion

In summary, dealing with a crying baby on a plane can be a stressful experience for both parents and fellow passengers. However, several strategies can be used to help soothe the baby and make the flight more comfortable for everyone involved.

First and foremost, it is important to be prepared and bring along plenty of distractions and comfort items for the baby, such as toys, pacifiers, and blankets. Additionally, parents can try feeding the baby during takeoff and landing to help alleviate ear pressure.

If the baby continues to cry, it is important to remain calm and not become too anxious or stressed. It may be helpful to take a walk up and down the aisle with the baby or ask a flight attendant for assistance.

Overall, with a little bit of preparation and patience, it is possible to help soothe a crying baby and make the flight more enjoyable for all passengers.